Toy worm



SePt- 30, 1958 G.- H; BlscHoFF 2,853,831

TOY WORM Filed June 4. 1956 v 2 Sheets-Shea?l 1 GUSTAV H. lsoHoFF By @4m @LA ATTORNEY l Sept. 30, 19.58 kG. H. Bisel-IOFF y TOY WORM Filed June 4. 1956 2 sheets-sheet 2 GUSTAV H. BISCHOFF @y 'N- fi@ United States nPatent 2,853,83i Patented Sept. 30, 1958 Iice TOY'WORM Gustav H. Bischoff, St. Louis, liti-o.

Application .lune 4, 1956, Serial No. 589,147 6 Claims. (Cl. 46-123) This invention `.relates in general to amusement 'devices and, more particularly, tola-'toy adapted ''fo`r"cra'wling movement simulative of the! natural movements in v locomotion Tof fa worm, caterpillar,"or the like.`

It lis' an 'object 'of lthejpresentlinve'ntionto provide ajointed 'toy adapted yto be''alternatingly'arched or humpedandstraightened out vduring-traverse of a support sur-` face through'reciprocal operation 'ofa weighted member.

lt is another object ofthe'present invention to 'pro-- vide atoy whichcomprises -`a fma'rked simplicity'of parts, not ,incorporating` motor means and :attendant motion transmitting elements as have T1 heretofore unfailingly constitutcdlrequisite'components of crawling "type toys, whereby thepresent ftoy can be most-economically gnsmariufacturem Yis sturdy and-"durable in construction,y

andfwill yoperate lreliably throughout extended usage'.

-It is a further object 'ofthe present invention 'to provide a toy of the type 'describedwhich is adapted for facile Aassembly from cardboard' or'the like by unskilled individuals, as children.

The's'e and other detaile'dobject's are obtained bythe structures illustrated inthe accompanying drawing, vin

whichy Figurefl is a side view-of a toy vconstructed 'in accordance with and embodying the presentinvention,

illustrating the same in" arched position.

Figure Z'is a side View' showing the toy inA elongated orstraightened out position.

Figure 3 is a verticaltransverse section taken yon the line 3--3 offFigure 2.

Figure 4'is a fragmentary vertical transverse Vsection taken substantially on the line 4`4 of Figure' 3.

Figure A5 is aA fragmentary Vertical section showing adjacent segments in arch-forming relationship.`

Figure 6 is a fragmentaryperspectivesviewof another form of the'pre's'ent inventi'on.-

y'Figure 7 isl a bottom plan View of "a 'bla'nkf in par` ca'chvofwhich is, preferably, transversely arcuated, withl its rounded surface presented Yupwardly and being open at the bottom, having the ksame peripheral extent and being formedupon the same radius. Said segments are normally presented in axially aligned relationship so that when toy.A is in one position (see Figure 2),'Said 2 segments will be mutually disposed so as to form an elongated, dorsally rounded body.

Each segment 1 is in its central portion of constant width and in bothA itslower lend portions is tapered or inclined inwardly and downwardly along its opposite side edges as at 2., 3, terminating in a vbase 4 which will, perforce, be of relatively reduced width. Thus, `when segments 1 are in'axially aligned relationship,presenting toy A instraightened "out position, the central portions of each-segment will abut edgewise against the central portions .of 'adjacent segments while the tapered, lower edges thereof Vwill be .in-.diverging relationship to the corresponding edges 'of'iadjacent segments. `Front. end segment 1a 'ini its forward lower edge portion is. curved to provide a rocker-forming surfacesjwith its rearward,

lower` sideedge' 5" beinguntapered or planar-wise con' tinuous -Withthe central portion rearward edge.l Rearward segmentlb 'is tapered inwardly yand-downwardly in'its .lower'fro'nt-edge' portion,as at 6,- while .its rear#l ward side edge 6 `is in :planar alignment with the rear-k ward-edge of ther related central portion.` Secured by suitable means, such `as by'afscrew or 'the like, on the upper, central `portion Isurface'of vfront' segment la,

proximatevthe rearwardsideiedge thereof, is an up` standing stem 'or neck-simulative'imembe'r 7, on thefupper end of Vwhich'is 'm'ounteda weighted, head-simulative member 8, whichis relatively` heavy with respect to front4 segment-1a, forpurposeslpresently appearing. Mounted, aslbyany suitable `V`means,"-suc'h as an adhesive, or the like, on the upwardly presented surface of the Ycentral portion -of rearward segment 1b, is a rigid, tailsimulative member'i9.

Segments 1,101, and "'1b,are ysecured to the adjacent seg-- ments inl a hinged manner so as to endow toyA with? the jointed yor 'articulate 'character requisitev for realistic It is 'to f be recognized that the means `fo'reifecting pivotal connectionsimulationlof the travel motions of a worm'.

between such segments may be of any well known type, with such" means being vso disposed' as to effect the desired swinging about the'pivot point vlocated lat the juncture between the 'central .portions of V:such v`segments andtheir tapered, lowerI ends, as indicated 'at p in the drawing. Thus, each segment will be "balancingly hinged at two', corresponding points for uniform swinging movement. l

Since itrhas been consideredpreferable, for'economic and durability' considerations,'to fabricate ltoy A from a thermoplastic,` the hingedconstruction herein shown` and to be now described has been found amenable tosimplicity in assembly, but as stated above,is not to be deemed exclusive.' Eachsegment 1, 1a,'and lb has integrally formed on 'its inner 'surface a tubular passagel or sleeve ll, open at both ends, extending widthwise thereof, parallel to the axisvof such segments, on a line passing through 'the points p, 'so that such passage is provided on'each side of said segments.

When toy A is in elongated position, passages iti on each side thereof will be aligned.' Provided for threaded disposition through each set of aligned passages '10' is a connecting member 11, such as' a section ofstring,

or the like, with'its projecting ends fixed," as by knottingv or direct securement Vto segments 1a, lb, to prevent ac- 11' serve to unite the constituent segments V'intoan integrated unit as well as permit the mutual pivotal actionof thev cidental dislodgement. Said connecting members segments.

Head 8 through gravity will be biased into downwardly.'

swung position, as shown inFigure l.

ln operation, a cord c or other control member is suit-v ably secured to toy A, such asby tyingabout the necksimulative member 7, and by upward pulling thereof the` operator will cause head 8 to be presented in upwardly will then be in elongated or Vstraightened out position;

Upon the users releasing control member c, head 8, through gravity, will swing downwardly and forwardly,

thereby causing front segment 1a to be rocked forwardly and downwardly along rocker surface to present its forward edge in substantial engagement upon the support surface. Such rocking of front section la will cause a progressive pivoting movement of the succeeding segments about their points p whereby the tapered edges 2, 3 of each segment will be brought into abutment against the confronting edges of the adjacent segments,'with the central portions thereof being removed from mutual contact (see Figures 1 and 5), resulting in arch forming relation of the segments so that toy A will be in humped position. This movement is hence a series of successive pivotal actions brought about by the articulation between the segments, with the rearward segment 1b, through the weight of tail 9, being dropped downwardly on its rearward edge and serving thereby as an anchor. The degree of taper of the lower portions of the segments will determine the extent of pivotal movement into arched position; it being recognized that such angle or degree will depend upon the number of segments incorporated and the character of the arch desired. Thus, the downward movement of head 8 will cause the forward end of the body to be swung downwardly upon the support surface with consequent raising of the middle portion of the body and the dropping of the rearward portion.

The user will then pull upwardly on kthe head 8 causing front segment 1a to be returningly rocked on its rocker surface 5 into upright position, which will cause` toy A to be restored to elongated condition, as the segments are thereby forced to be reversingly swung about their pivot points p, returning the central portions to edgewise abutment and effecting separation of the tapered, lower portions.

Since rearward segment 1b is in anchored position, it will prevent undesired backward movement of toy A as the same moves into straightened out condition. Hence, the user in pulling upwardly on control member c will also pull slightly forward to provide a forward component of travel to thereby enhance the air of realism created by operation of toy A. The user by alternatingly repeating the raising and lowering of head 8, through manipulation of control member c, will cause the imparting to toy A of a .crawling or creeping locomotion common to many species of worms.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 10 inclusive of the drawing, B designates another form of the present invention which is adapted for ready assembly as from essentially a foldable blank of cardboard or other like bendable material. Thus, the toy of this invention may thereby comprise an additional educational value in that its facile assembly will provide constructive play.

`In this embodiment the body portion is formed from a unitary blank 20, as of cardboard or like bendable material, having an elongated rectangular main portion 21, which is divided into a series of rectangular sections 22 by `spaced transversely extending scored lines 23, the latter being centrally kerfed or slit, as at 24, for purposes presently appearing. Laterally projecting from each side edge of each section 22 is an extension 25 comprising an inner leg portion 26 defined by normally parallel lines for folding 27, 28, as indicated by printing or otherwise, and an outer brace portion 29; there being a tab 30 provided at the end edge of said brace portion 29 for reception within a slot 31 provided centrally of the related section 22 when toy B is assembled. Slots 31 of sections 22 are aligned and extend axially of rectangular main portion 21.

To form or assemble the body of toy B leg portions 26 are turned downwardly with respect to their associated sections 22 along vfold lines 27 and the respective brace portions 29 are turned upwardly and inwardly along fold lines 28 to present tabs 30 for projection through slots 31; said tabs 30 being bent along the outer ledges of the associated brace portions 29 for upward, locked extension through slots 31 to thereby secure the respective legs 26 in operative position.` Since each section 22 is symmetrical having a pairof identical extensions 25, the related tabs 3Q will be received in snug, surface-abutment within the related slots 31 for assuring reliable maintenance of the associated legs 26 in body-supporting position. It will thus be seen that sections 22 together with their related leg portions 26 thus constitute segment forming units whereby the body of toy B will simulate that of a worm, although due to the particular folding procedure, the dorsal portions will necessarily be flat.

' The leg portions 26 of sections 22, except the forward and rearwardmost sections, designated 22a and 22b, respectively, are tapered downwardly and inwardly, as considered when in operative position, along their edges, as at 32, 33, whereby fold lines 28' will provide feet or bases of relatively reduced width. Forwardmost section 22a is provided with lateral extensions 25a comprising an inner leg portion'34 defined by parallel lines of folding 35, 36 and an outer brace portion 37, with a tab 38 provided on its outer end edge. Leg portions 34 on their normally forwardly presented edge are arcuated to present a rocker-forming surface 39 with their rearward edges being continuous with the rearward margin of section 22a. Rearward section 22b is likewise provided with lateral extensions having an inner leg portion 40 and an outer brace portion 41', there being `a tab 42 formed on the outer end edge of each brace portion 41. Leg portions 40 are tapered inwardly and downwardly on their forward edges as at 43, while the rearwardmost edges are continuous with the adjacent rearward edge of the related section 22b. In view of the foregoing, it may be noted that sections 22a and 22b, together with their associated portions structurally correspond to segments 1a and 1b above described in connection with toy A.

An unskilled individual, such as a child, could readily form blank 20 into the body of toy B by merely folding along the indicated lines and extending the various tabs through the openings in the related sections.

Also, provided for completing the worm simulating lappearance of toy B is a stem or neck simulative member 44, which may be of wood or the like, having a transverse slot 45 in its lower end for receiving the projecting ends of the adjacent tabs 38, for ready securement thereto, as by any suitable adhesive. Carried on the upper end of stem 44 is a head-simulative member 46 fabricated, preferably, of wood or the like, and hence being relatively heavy with respect to the body of toy B. Provided for suitable securement upon the projecting tabs 42 ofthe brace portions. 41 of the rearwardmost section 22b is a tail-simulative member 47, Vwhich may also be fabricated of wood or of any other relatively heavy material.

It will be seen that toy B can be readily assembled by the use of a limited 'amount of glue or other adhesive, with the necessary folding land tab-insertion being easily accomplished, and yet permitting a child substantial constructive play.

In use, toy B is operated in the same manner as toy A above described, there being a cord or other control member c secured to head 46 as through an eyelet, so that the raising and lowering of same may be readily achieved. Upon releasing of cord c head 46 will, through gravity, drop downwardly with the rocking of forward section 22a `and the successive pivotal movement ofy the succeeding segment-forming units .22; it being noted that the pivot points will be located at the ends of fold li-nes 27, lat the juncture of theleg portions and the adjacent sections 22, as at p. With toy b being disposed in arched position (as shown in Figure 8) the various sections 22a, 22, and 22b, will be slightly parted from each other along kerfs 24 which will be normally closed when toy B is in straightened out or elongated condition.

Hence, the present invention is readily adaptable for presentation in various types of materials of construction so that the same may either be presented a user in fully formed and operatively ready condition or may be provided in form for facile assembly. Toys of the type herein described may be most economically manufactured, as the same do not incorporate complicated, readily breakable mechanical parts, such as spring motors with attendant links, gears, and the like, as have been cus'- tomarily utilized in crawling toys heretofore. The present invention constitutes la unique arrangement of simple constituents for providing a highly realistic and intriguing action which may be easily brought about without skill on the part of the user. With its inherent simplicity of parts, toys of this invention are durable and wholly reliable in operation.

It should be understood that changes and modifications in the formation, construction, arrangement, and combination of the several parts of the toy worm may be made and substituted for these herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A toy animal comprising a body having a forward end segment, a rearward end segment, and a plurality of" intermediate segments, said segments being in normally upright, -aligned relationship, each segment being formed of sheet material and of generally arcuate configuration and comprising a central, back-forming portion having forward and rearward edges land a leg portion extending downwardly from each side of said central portion, said legs having forward side, rearward side and base edge surfaces, each segment further being pivotally connected to each immediately adjacent segment for hingedly engaging same along their confronting side edge surfaces, la weighted, head-simulative member mounted =upon the back-forming portion of the forward end segment and being forwardly `and downwardly gravity-biased thereby urging said forward end segment downwardly upon its forward edge, a weighted, tail-simulative member mounted upon the central, back-forming portion of the rearward end segment for urging through gravity the latter downwardly and rearwardly on its rearward margin whereby the intermediate segments will be biased i-nto hump-forming relationship, and means for eecting upward pulling upon the head-simulative member for effecting return rocking of the forward end segment into upright position permitting relative pivotal action of the other segments into elongated aligned relationship.

2. A toy animal as described in claim 1 wherein a pair of elongated, exible connecting members join the segments together, and the legs ofthe intermediate segments are downwardly and inwardly tapered on their forward and rearward edges whereby yclearance is provided for mutual pivotal movement of said segmentsl into humpforming relationship under bias of said weighted head and tail-simulative members.

3. A toy animal as described in claim 1 wherein the forward end segment is arcuated on its lower forward edge portion to deline a rocker-forming surface to permit rocking movement of said forward end segment between downward position under bias of the head-simulative member and upright position.

4. A toy animal as described in claim 2 wherein the connecting members join the segments together at a point immediately above the taper of said leg portions of the intermediate segments and wherein said segments when in upright, axially aligned relationship will abut the adjacent segments on the confronting edge portions extending between the legs thereof, and whereby when said segments are in hump-forming relationship the edge portions between their respective legs will be spaced apart.

5. A toy animal as described in claim 1 wherein each segment is transversely arcuate with its open or lbight portion presenting downwardly whereby to present a composite, dorsally rounded body, each segment having on its inner surface an aligned passage on each of its sides downwardly from its upper extremity, and a flexible, elongated connecting member extending through each aligned series of passages for joining said segments together, each connector member terminating inwardly of the outer end edges of the forward and rearward segments.

6. A toy animal or the like comprising a body formed from 'an integral, bendable blank, said blank having a rectangular main section divided into transverse sections by a series of spaced, scored lines, a lateral extension projecting from opposite side edges of each transverse section for bending downwardly therefrom in axially normal relationship thereto, and comprising a leg portion and Ia brace portion, said latter having a tab delineated by lines for folding, said brace portions lbeing upwardly bendable beneath said sections, inwardly of the related legportions, each section being provi-ded with an opening for lockingly receiving the tabs of its related lateral extensions for maintaining the associated vbraces in legrigidifying position, each leg portion being downwardly and inwardly tapered on its opposite side edges, a relative heavy, head-simulative member on the forward end transverse section, being forwardly and downwardly gravitybiased thereby urging said forward end transverse section downwardly upon its forward edge, a weighted, tailsimulative member mounted upon the central portion of the rearward end transverse sections for urging, through gravity, the latter downwardly and rearwardly upon its rearward margin whereby the intervening sections will be biased into hump-forming relationship and means for effecting upward pulling upon the head-simulative member for effecting return rocking of the forward end section into upright position permitting relative pivotal action of the other sections into elongated aligned relationship.

References Cited in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 862,206 Sillman Aug. 6, 1907 1,438,083 Baker Dec, 5, 1922 1,601,983 Savage Oct. 5, 1926 1,745,232 Richter Jan. 28, 1930 2,035,624 Torme Mar. 31, 1936 2,663,964 Martin Dec. 29, 1953 2,663,970 Brodrib Dec. 29, 1953 2,817,187 Auzin Dec. 24, 1957 

